RES 26-1540: Approving the City and Xcel Energy Memorandum of Understanding.

Description

Approving the City and Xcel Energy Memorandum of Understanding.

Summary

The memorandum establishes commitments between Saint Paul and Northern States Power Company, doing business as Xcel Energy, alongside the City’s electric and gas franchise ordinances. It promotes energy efficiency, emissions reductions, and lower energy costs, with targeted outreach and assistance for low- and moderate-income and energy-burdened residents. The parties will pursue efficiency and decarbonization pilots, community events, workforce diversification, local clean-energy industries, and coordination on infrastructure and rights-of-way. Xcel sets goals for carbon-free electricity serving Saint Paul—80% by 2030, 90% by 2035, and 100% by 2040—and supports the City’s climate targets. The agreement also addresses reliability, grid modernization, municipal facility savings, consolidated billing, data access, and tree-trimming terms. State utility regulation and approved tariffs control where applicable; the agreement creates no third-party rights.